In a show of official recognition and support, Fulton County presented ATLFW with a proclamation, formally declaring October 2–5, 2025, as “Atlanta Fashion Week” in the county.
The week opened with an intimate celebration honoring James Whitner, Founder and Owner of The Whitaker Group, as the recipient of the 2025 Fashion Visionary Award. Whitner, who has built one of the most respected retail and cultural platforms in the world through brands like A Ma Maniére, Social Status, and APB, was recognized for his transformative contributions to the fashion industry and his continued impact on community, culture, and creativity.
This year’s ATLFW welcomed an impressive guest list including Grammy-winning producer Polow da Don, Mayor Andre Dickens, Anthony Hamilton, Jazze Pha, Trinidad James, Sean Garrett, and other notable figures who came out to support Atlanta’s fashion and creative community.
The runway featured a dynamic mix of established and emerging designers representing the next wave of fashion talent. Designers included Jai Lyle, GOAT by James King, Alani Taylor, Eli Kish by Tameka Raymond Foster, AAKOFII, Verdict Still Out, Raquel the Label, Made by Middle, Eddy Yung, BDR Black, Octavius Marsion, SARAYAA, and adidas – The HBCU Edition presented in partnership with The AUC Agency. Our ATLFW: Shops brands included Leier Fragrances, Inola Ojen Shoes, AABOUX, Tribal Eyewear, Nohsan, Cedric Brown Collections, Faith and Figures, 1020 Brand, Creative Lifestyle Artist, and Stephanie Gentry Illustrations. Each collection brought a unique vision of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural storytelling to the ATLFW runway.
In addition to The Shows, Atlantic Station came alive with brand activations and curated experiences celebrating fashion, art, and community. Highlights included:
- Rémy Martin x Illy’s Espresso Your Style – a celebration of creativity and craft
- Candleporium Influencer Activation – sensory experiences through scent and design
- BMW Cocktail Hours – blending luxury, lifestyle, and innovation
- adidas “From Campus to Runway” Activation – focused on the history of Atlanta through the lens of fashion, art, and music, while hosting influencer-led talks that explored how the city’s HBCUs continue to shape global culture and creative expression
- Clinique Brand Activation – centered on skincare education and wellness, featuring live product sampling and consultations that offered guests an immersive beauty experience
- IKEA Lounge featuring Stockholm 2025 – Scandinavian design meets Southern cool
- Bloomingdale’s x DIOR Experience – bridging retail luxury and fashion week glamour
“Atlanta Fashion Week continues to evolve as a discovery and launch platform for fashion disruptors,” said Angela Watts, Founder and Executive Producer of Atlanta Fashion Week. “This year’s success proves that Atlanta is not just watching fashion’s future—it’s defining it. Consumers are showing us that they want access to new designers, new stories, and authentic creative energy—and that’s exactly what ATLFW delivers.”
From runway showcases to brand collaborations, ATLFW 2025 embodied Atlanta’s spirit of creativity, diversity, and economic impact. With every collection, partnership, and sold-out show, the event reaffirmed its mission to drive Atlanta’s rise as a global fashion capital.
